ANN ARBOR -- The days of a one-back offense at Michigan seem to be over.

With Doug Nussmeier in as offensive coordinator, and Al Borges out, the Wolverines' offensive philosophy this year will likely rely on at least two feature backs -- and maybe more.

So while Michigan wrapped up spring practice Saturday with sophomore running back De'Veon Smith appearing to be in the lead running back-wise on the depth chart, Michigan has shown no hesitation with its plans to use multiple backs early and often.

And while the offensive line still has some work to do, Michigan's coaching staff remains very encouraged by its stable of backs.

"I'm very excited (about their play)," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said. "I think we're better (at that position). I think, you know, from the start of spring until the end of spring there's some things De'Veon, Derrick (Green) and Justice Hayes did, and Ross Douglas got in there and did some good things.

"I think they've all improved."

A year ago, Michigan began the year with 5-foot-11, 200-pound Fitz Toussaint as its every down running back.

This season, both Smith (5-foot-11, 223) and Green (5-foot-11, 227) will likely begin the year with the ball in their hands on early down situations. So when Michigan tries to run power plays this year, the odds of a 220-pound back getting through a hole would seem to be better than they were a year ago with Toussaint carrying the ball.

More than that, though, one of the key points Nussmeier tried to hammer home this spring was the simplification of the running scheme in general. And, on top of that, the simplification of the running backs' role in the pass protection game.

"Guys are more consistent now with their reads, going from point A to point B with protections," Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson said last week on WTKA-AM in Ann Arbor. "By not having a ton of protections and a ton of different runs, it allows the guys to be more consistent in what they're doing.

"I've seen a lot of progress (with the running backs) from last fall."

While Smith and Green appear to be in command of the early down carries, and Hayes appears to have the third down back job relatively locked up, the Wolverines are still waiting on one more participant this fall.

Drake Johnson.

Johnson, a 6-foot, 212-pound sophomore from Ann Arbor, entered last season No. 2 on Michigan's depth chart -- ahead of both Green and Smith. But an ACL tear in the season-opener cost him the season.

Johnson didn't go through any full-speed drills this spring, but is expected to be back come fall camp.

So, in Hoke's eyes,this race isn't over just yet.

"When Drake Johnson gets back in the fall," Hoke says, "I think it'll be fun to see who emerges."